Light a penny candle - maeve binchy

Beloved author Maeve Binchys first published novel, an engrossing coming of age tale about the incredible bond of friendship.

To escape the chaos of London during World War II, young Elizabeth White is sent to live a safer life in the small Irish town of Kilgarret.

It is there, in the crowded, chaotic OConnor household, that she meet Aisling--a girl who soon becomes her very best friend, sharing her pet kitten and secretly teaching her the intricacies of Catholicism.

Aislings boldness brings Elizabeth out of her proper shell; later, her support carries Elizabeth through the painful end of her parents chilly marriage.

In return, Elizabeths friendship helps Aisling endure her own unsatisfying marriage to a raging alcoholic.

Through the years, they come to believe they can overcome any conflict, conquer any hardship--as long as they have each other.

Now theyre about to find out if theyre right.

A sumptuous saga.

-- Harpers Wonderful.

a novel that could be mistaken for life.

-- New York Daily News.